In the world of motorsports, few experiences can match the adrenaline rush of sprinting around a dirt track at breakneck speeds. Today, we sit down with Kerri-anne James (Known as the Angel with Attitude), a seasoned speedway racer with a passion for the sport that’s second to none.
In this exclusive interview, we delve deep into Kerri-anne’s racing journey, triumphs, and what it takes to be a true champion.
Age: Too Old LOL, plus isn’t it considered impolite to ask a lady her age?
Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand Living: Te Puke, Tauranga
Home Track: Baypark Best Feature finish: Win
Classes Raced: In Speedway – TQ’s & Sprintcars
Sponsors: Jackson Road Haul
Q1: Every great journey begins with a single step when did you start racing and how did you get into it? I have been lucky enough to have a racing family background – My Dad was into Rallying and my Brother into Saloons, Super Saloons & Super Stocks, so no chance I was ever not going to be involved. It started back when I was 24 and I decided to get into Formula Vee racing (yes you heard correctly), so my Dad and I headed to Manfield to test a car that was for sale. I couldn’t even reach the pedals, but never fear, Dad had a tarpaulin which he stuffed behind my back and off I went…came in with a grin from ear to ear, and the rest is history. I then decided it was too hard going in different directions to my Brother, so decided to get into Speedway and here I am!
Q2: What classes have you run over the years? Formula Vees, TQ’s and Sprintcars
Q3: In the world of racing, success comes in many forms. What are you most proud of in your racing career? Would have to be when I was racing TQ’s out of Stratford Speedway. We had a particular competitor that stretched the engine rules to have a really fast engine and always blitzed the field. But on this particular day I had everything in my favour, the car was handling perfectly, my motor was crisp and I was determined. We swapped the lead every lap for the whole race, and on the last corner of the last lap, I got him for the win. Unfortunately, he was not pleased, and he sent me into the wall and I barrel rolled 9 times. Did my victory lap in the ambulance before heading off to Hospital. Everyone was super stoked I bet him…..and all my competitors put in a protest on my behalf. Made a lot of friends that day!
Q4: What titles have you received while racing?
No major NZ Titles but have a couple of feature wins, and a few trophies.
Q5: What is your all-time favourite track to race at and why?
Palmerston North – Had my first win there in the Sprintcar, then one of my worse crashes (BUT made it on TV – one of the top 10 plays of the week)
Q6: Racing isn’t just a seasonal endeavour; it’s a year-round commitment. What are you currently doing in the off-season and how do you prepare mentally and physically for this sport?
First and foremost I look after my car – winterise her so she will be ready when the season comes around. At my age, fitness is probably my next most important prep work. I work on being moderately fit, but not so much that I forget about enjoying life too.
Q7: What do you hope to achieve this season?
To get back into being a little more competitive. After my 8-9 years off I feel like I am on the backfoot and need to have a little more confidence in my ability.
Q8: Success in racing isn’t just about speed; it’s about character what characteristics do you think are important to becoming successful in racing?
I believe that it all begins with being passionate about your sport. Audiences, Fans & your crew pick up on the enthusiasm and passion that you portray. A good attitude is also key as is respect.
There is NO room for disrespect on the race track! LEARN TO LOSE GRACIOUSLY AND WIN HUMBLY!
Q9: Race cars are constantly evolving. What is happening with your car in the off-season? Any major changes we should look out for once the season starts? On a tight budget, so no new changes for me….plus I need to use the full potential I have first before making any changes.
Q10: Speedway racing can be fast and dangerous. What do you think is one thing the fans will never understand until they are behind the wheel of a race car? Probably the speed at which things happen, especially when they go wrong…..you have to be constantly looking ahead and aware of cars coming up on you, planning your next move on the car ahead, concentrating on the condition of the track, reading your gauges and feeling the car (is it too tight, is it too loose).
Q11: What is your favourite race on the NZ race calendar? NZ Champs which I hope to be able to attend this year.
Q12: Legends inspire legends. Who do you admire most in motorsport and why? Unfortunately my 2 Motorsport Legends have passed – My Dad and Possum Bourne – why – because they were down to earth, got the job done and always took the time to have fun along the way.
Q13: What do you think of the changes and the way direction the speedway is moving at Baypark?
It has been a rollercoaster ride….but lucky for us the campaign…Hands Off Baypark Speedway has managed to get the council to revise its plan to get rid of us. We have always had a speedway and we need to continue to have our own speedway. Young people need a place to go!
Q14: Sponsors are the unsung heroes of racing. Tell us about your sponsors, what kind of business they run, and the support you get from them.
Jackson Road Haul – Freight trucking. They can deliver your bulk commodity to you. They are an amazing company that get transport. They can handle commodities, such as Concrete Aggregates, Sealing Chips, Base Courses, Sands, Fertilizers and that is just to name a few.
Q15: Behind every successful racer is a dedicated support team. Tell us about your support team. I am super lucky to have a fantastic crew:
My Crew Chief – Flexi (Brett)
Crew – Stefan (my partner), Natalia, Mikayla & Serina
Support Crew – Anita, Pam & Warwick
Q16 Final Words: What would you like to say to your fans and the wider Speedway community?
A MASSIVE THANK YOU – without your support and attendance at our Speedway events, we wouldn’t have a racetrack. I especially love the time that our fans take to come over and have a chat, sit in the car, talk about racing and can’t wait to see you all trackside.
Thanks from the “Angel with Attitude”